Gautam Gambhir delivers final update on Rishabh Pant's availability for 2nd Test against New Zealand

Sports Tak

• Wed • 23 Oct 2024

Rishabh Pant during a practice session; Gautam Gambhir speaks at a press conference

Rishabh Pant, Gautam Gambhir

Highlights:

Rishabh Pant missed his century in the Bengaluru Test.

Pant did not keep wickets after getting injured on Day 2 of first Test.

India head coach Gautam Gambhir on the eve of the second Test against New Zealand at Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) stadium in Pune confirmed that star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant is fit to play.

“He's absolutely fine. He'll keep wickets tomorrow,” Gambhir said in the pre-match press conference.

Pant was hit on the knee on Day 2 of the first Test. He left the field with the help of support staff. In his absence, Dhruv Jurel kept wickets. However, on Day 4, he walked out to bat and scored a crucial 99 and shared a 177-run partnership for the fourth wicket with Sarfaraz Khan.

Pant struggled with his knee toward the end of his innings and resorted to big shots. He hit nine fours and five sixes before getting out in the 90s for the seventh time in Test cricket.

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Gambhir declares Gill fit to play

While Gambhir declared that Pant is fit, he revealed the playing XI for the second Test is still undecided. In addition, he also confirmed that Shubman Gill who missed the first Test due to a stiff neck has recovered as well.

“Gill was injured in the last game. He has been in great touch. We have not decided the playing XI. We will decide tomorrow and whatever team we decide, they'll go out to win,” he said.

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Gambhir on Sundar’s addition to squad

Gambhir opened up on the inclusion of Washington Sundar in the squad. Sundar scored 152 against Delhi in Tamil Nadu’s previous Ranji Trophy 2024-25 clash. However, the former Indian opener said that he is a good option considering he takes the ball away from left-handed batters.

“With New Zealand having so many left handers, we wanted someone who can take the ball away from them. We haven't decided on the playing XI but he's a good option to have,” said the 43-year-old.

India's updated squad for 2nd Test and 3rd Test vs New Zealand

Rohit Sharma (c), Jasprit Bumrah (vc), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant (wk), Dhruv Jurel (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Washington Sundar.